This morning while I was getting dressed, I realized that
throughout my entire adult life, I’ve worn the same type of bra. It’s really a
grownup version of a training bra: stretchy material that comfortably conforms
to that most difficult of female physiques – the broad-shouldered, small-breasted tomboy variety.
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But all those years of working out did little for the
development of my female upper regions. Alas, I still sport the chest of a
prepubescent teen and shall forever be relegated to the training bra.
Bras have truly evolved over the centuries. They are a
reflection of fashion, function, and sexuality and are designed to lift, support,
and separate those most essential female accoutrements, the boobies. So I
thought it’d be fun to travel back in time and witness the evolution of this
imperative undergarment. Let’s take a look…
Bras were believed to have evolved over the last hundred
years: a result of women's kicking their corsets to the curb after centuries of
miserable cinching. But in 2008, a couple of archaeologists stumbled upon four
linen brassieres tucked within an Austrian castle dating back to the 1400s,
pushing the invention of the bra back another five hundred years. These ancient
undergarments resemble their modern counterparts, some even sporting intricate
decorations of lace. They’re tattered and torn, calling to mind men’s jockey
shorts, which are traditionally worn until they disintegrate.
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An interesting side note: It was the American
author, Mark Twain, of Huckleberry Finn
fame, who devised the oh-so-clever elastic strap and metal clasps. He
envisioned applying his elastic-clasp combo to an array of undergarments, but the
pantaloons industry was in its death throes, so he stuck to bras.
But I digress...
About forty years later, human ingenuity took another giant leap forward. No, I’m not talking about the moon landing, I’m talking about the invention of the Wonderbra. With streamlined cups and a plethora of padding, even the “A” -leaguers could sport a bit of cleavage. But the real breakthrough came in 1977 when Roy Raymond founded Victoria’s Secret. Although Frederick’s of Hollywood had been around since the 1940s, many were too embarrassed to venture inside. Victoria’s Secret provided a safe haven for the bashful; and their catalogs, masturbation fodder for teenage boys everywhere.
About forty years later, human ingenuity took another giant leap forward. No, I’m not talking about the moon landing, I’m talking about the invention of the Wonderbra. With streamlined cups and a plethora of padding, even the “A” -leaguers could sport a bit of cleavage. But the real breakthrough came in 1977 when Roy Raymond founded Victoria’s Secret. Although Frederick’s of Hollywood had been around since the 1940s, many were too embarrassed to venture inside. Victoria’s Secret provided a safe haven for the bashful; and their catalogs, masturbation fodder for teenage boys everywhere.
But have you every stopped to ask yourself why?? Why do we
wear bras? And more importantly, why do we consider “the natural look” obscene?
Yes, bras hold everything in place, which becomes more important as the years
tick by, but it’s disturbing that something as natural as unfettered breasts is deemed lewd and indecent.
I’m sure the menfolk would be in favor of a braless revolution. As for me, I’d participate, but I doubt anyone would notice…
I’m sure the menfolk would be in favor of a braless revolution. As for me, I’d participate, but I doubt anyone would notice…
Me as a kid. Not much has changed...:)